Have a safe Halloween

October 29, 2010 12:23:00 PM

In case you didn''t get the memo, Columbus Mayor Robert Smith is asking folks in the Friendly City to trick-or-treat on Saturday instead of Sunday. So we can expect little ghouls and goblins to be knocking on our doors a day early this year.

In other Golden Triangle cities, Halloween is still on Halloween. The overriding factor? College football, which is so often the overriding factor for most things in the South.

With Kentucky in Starkville and Auburn at Ole Miss, most people will have enough heart-attack-inducing chills and thrills to contend with for one weekend.

But for those of us either out with our kids or traveling the streets on Saturday and Sunday, remember to take extra care. Chances are kids will be out on both Saturday and Sunday this year.

The American Automobile Association recommends the following tips for Halloween safety:

The speed limit in most residential neighborhoods is 25 mph, but when children are out trick-or-treating, it''s a good idea to drive even more slowly.

Be aware that youngsters may attempt to cross mid-block or between parked cars.

Look for children''s shoes or costumes under vehicles as clues that kids may suddenly dart out into the street from between parked cars.

Children may be difficult to see if they are wearing dark costumes.

Kids who are wearing masks will have an obstructed view of cars.

Obey all traffic signs, signals and markings.

If your children are trick-or-treating, make sure they follow safety rules and that their costumes are visible and fit properly.

When driving trick-or-treaters through neighborhoods, don''t forget to use appropriate car seats and have children exit and enter the vehicle on the passenger side.

Designate a sober driver if you plan to drink alcohol.

Also, make sure that kids carry flashlights and use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and treat bags.